As a finale to our NI Science Festival activities, P7 experimented with oobleck (Non-Newtonian fluid).
We mixed cornstarch and water to create the fluid which has some weird and wonderful properties. The fluid refuses to follow Newton's law of viscosity.
Pupils were given the chance to experiment with the mixture individually and in groups. We found that the more force that is applied the thicker and harder the substance became. The less force that is applied the easier it was for us to move through the substance. This is due to changes in bonds within the fluid.
Force was applied using hands, rulers, a football and even a hammer! (Under supervision, of course!). No matter how hard the football was thrown, the fluid did not splash!
Despite the mess that ensued and the major clean up operation which followed, pupils had an excellent time investigating this mysterious substance and expanding their scientific knowledge!
